Audi A3 redesigns compact luxury

The Audi A3 is a compact sedan that brings luxury for a compact price.

As the sedan market continues to dwindle and manufacturers continue to escape the recently unpopular market, we realize the limited sedan market still exists. With people ready to spend their hard-earned money, this category historically focuses on the commuters. But, let’s not forget about the upscale commuters who want that luxury feel and spacious cabins that only some manufacturers continue to offer.

In this market, we look no further than Volkswagen’s upscale brand, Audi and its popular A3.

For 2022, the A3 was granted a redesign encompassing just about everything aestheticswise. There’s tons of legroom for the front passengers while the rear seats still maintain their small and compact space as expected. Interior-wise, we recognize a nicely positioned 10.1 inch

touchscreen infotainment system and the center console invites a new consolidated shifter lever. Additionally we see normal technology features and slightly darker Santos brown interior leather which really shows out nicely rather than the lighter “camel” colored interiors.

Our tester came in with the Premium Plus package which had an array of interior and

exterior options.

The A3 is powered by a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder turbocharged fuel stratified injection engine, which produces 201 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque. A 0-60 review came in at 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. It’s a really energetic and upbeat compact sedan fit for all kinds, as the seven-speed S-tronic transmission with all-wheel drive got the job done handily.

With our tester having the Manhattan Gray Metallic paint, the exterior really showed nicely while having some sleek features. As a fullframed commuter myself, the A3 was definitely fun and comfortable to drive and easy on the eyes of onlookers. Its wide stance and grown grill slightly shows off its sleeksness but its lowness to the ground really made the look that much better. While riding on 18” upgraded wheels it had the feel of sport luxury everyone enjoys, while maintaining the right price point of compact luxury.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Are you in the market for a new car? I would be happy to provide my honest input. All you have to do is email me: marc.grasso@bostonherald. com.

Audi A3

MSRP: $35,900

As tested: $44,440

MPG: 28city, 36highway, 31.9 as tested

MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP The Audi A3is a rare breed, still producing a compact sedan, and still hitting it out of the park with a car that looks great, and has an energetic ride and luxury feel.